Repetitive Stress Injuries

Does workers’ compensation cover repetitive stress injuries? In many cases, the answer to this question is, “Yes.” Learn how a work injury attorney can help you collect medical and disability benefits.

Repetitive stress injuries are among the most-common causes of work-related pain. They are also among the most-commonly overlooked. Many employees work in pain every day as a result of suffering from repetitive stress injuries that could – and should – be treated by a doctor. In many cases, this is because these employees are unaware that workers’ compensation covers repetitive stress injuries.

What is a Repetitive Stress Injury (or Repetitive Strain Injury)?

A repetitive stress injury, also known as a repetitive strain injury, is a physical injury that results from the accumulation of wear and tear on a particular part of the body. While performing a physical activity over and over again can build muscle and strengthen the ligaments and tendons, it can also wear these tissues down; and, over time, this can lead to a painful and debilitating repetitive stress injury.

There are many types of repetitive stress injuries, and these injuries can result from several work-related causes. For example, some of the most-common types of work-related repetitive strain injuries include:

Bursitis

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome

De Quervain’s syndrome

Lateral epicondylitis (also known as “tennis elbow”)

Medial epicondylitis (also known as “golfer’s elbow”)

Stenosing tenosynovitis (also known as “trigger finger”)

Tendinosis

Tendonitis

Tenosynovitis

These (and other) repetitive strain injuries can result from work activities such as:

Assembling products or product components

Climbing ladders, scaffolding, or stairs

Holding your hands or arms above your shoulders

Lifting boxes or other objects

Sitting in a stationary position

Squatting and standing repeatedly

Twisting, swiping, and other repetitive motions

Typing on a computer keyboard or tablet screen

Using a computer mouse

Using hand tools or power tools

What are the Warning Signs and Symptoms of a Repetitive Stress Injury?

Since there are many types of repetitive stress injuries (or repetitive strain injuries), the warning signs and symptoms of these injuries vary widely as well. If you have any concerns about a potential work-related repetitive stress injury, you should see a doctor promptly. It is also important to discuss your situation with a work injury attorney, as you may need to see a “company doctor” for treatment, and you may only have a very short amount of time to notify your employer about your injury.

While each type of repetitive stress injury has its own unique set of symptoms, broadly speaking, some of the more-common examples of symptoms of repetitive stress injuries include:

Pain that worsens with particular motions or physical activities

Chronic pain that doesn’t go away after work

Stiffness or swelling in the affected area of the body

Numbness, tingling, or throbbing in the affected area of the body

Loss of strength or mobility in the affected area of the body

How Can You Prove that Your Repetitive Strain Injury is Work-Related?

As we mentioned above, in order to collect workers’ compensation benefits for a repetitive strain injury, you will need to be able to prove that your injury is work-related. So, how do you do this?

Proving the cause of a repetitive stress injury requires a comprehensive medical diagnosis as well as a clear understanding of your daily work activities. In addition to seeing your “company doctor” (if you are required to do so), your workers’ compensation attorney may also refer you to another doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating work-related repetitive stress injuries. Typically, this doctor will agree to not to collect payment until you receive medical benefits for your repetitive stress injury.

What Should You Do if You Have Suffered a Repetitive Strain Injury at Work?

If you are suffering from the symptoms of a repetitive stress injury, your next step should be to contact a workers’ compensation attorney in your town or city. Your lawyer will be able to explain everything you need to know about choosing a doctor, notifying your employer, and filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. To request a free, no-obligation consultation with a local work injury attorney, browse our attorney directory or submit your information online today: